GDP562 Sketch Challenge: Cutest Crew Birthday Card

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There’s just something about puppies that makes a birthday card instantly more cheerful! 🐾💕

For this week’s Global Design Project sketch challenge, I had so much fun creating this bright and playful birthday card featuring the adorable puppies from the Cutest Crew Bundle.

I kept the layout fairly simple so those cute little faces could take centre stage, then added a few details to give the card some extra texture and personality. A little linen thread, some texture in the background (Sunflower 3D embossing folder on the Golden Glow strips and the pre-order Softly Woven 3D embossing folder for the background), and those pretty Crisp Cantaloupe In Color butterflies were just the finishing touches this card needed. 🦋

I love how a sketch challenge can take you in a direction you might not have chosen on your own. Starting with the sketch gave me a great jumping-off point, and then it was just a matter of playing with the colours and elements until everything came together.

The result is a fun, happy birthday card that would be perfect for any dog lover — or really anyone who could use a little puppy-powered cheer!

This project was created for Global Design Project #GDP562, a sketch challenge that is always a great source of card-making inspiration. If you enjoy card sketches, be sure to check out the challenge and see how other crafters interpreted it.

✂️Supplies Used:


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Thanks for stopping by and checking out my GDP card! I hope these cheerful puppies bring a little smile to your day. 🐾💕


HSS495 Inspiration Challenge: Sunflower Birthday Card

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There’s something about sunflowers against a bright blue sky that just makes me happy! 🌻💙 For this week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Inspiration Challenge (HSS495), I was inspired by the beautiful combination of sunny yellow sunflowers and that gorgeous pop of blue.

I decided to recreate that feeling on a handmade birthday card using the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder, Stampin’ Blends and a little bit of ink blending.

To create my background, I embossed Basic White cardstock with the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder. I coloured the debossed side of the flowers with Stampin’ Blends—Pecan Pie for the centres, Golden Glow and Darling Duckling for the petals, and Granny Apple Green for the leaves.

Then came the fun part! I dragged an Azure Afternoon ink pad across the entire piece, creating a beautiful blue background while allowing the colourful sunflowers to really pop.

I added a birthday sentiment from Exciting Times, stamped in Azure Afternoon, and finished the card with Crumb Cake Baker’s Twine and three Golden Glow 2026–2028 In Color Butterflies.

I love how cheerful and summery this card turned out! It definitely captures the feeling of a field of sunflowers under a beautiful blue sky. 🌻

I hope you’ll stop by Hand Stamped Sentiments to see what the rest of the Design Team created, then join us with your own interpretation of this late summer inspiration board!

Want to grab the supplies for this card? Shop the links below or head to my shop.


SHOP HERE

Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

The join process has changed a bit (sign up for $135 and get a $170 coupon) and you now get a fantastic Welcome Box too. The perks once you’ve joined remain the same.

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

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Global Design Project #560 | Balloon Celebration Card

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I love a good sketch, so this week’s Global Design Project #560 CASE the Designer Challenge was right up my alley!

For this challenge, we were given a beautiful card by Charlet Mallett to CASE. Rather than copying all of the details, I grabbed the sketch and used the layout as my starting point—my favourite way to design a card!

I wanted my version to feel bright, happy and summery, so I pulled out the Balloon Festoon and Exciting Times stamp sets along with the colourful Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper.

The striped Designer Series Paper was the perfect choice for this card. I love how the vertical stripes create a fun background while still leaving plenty of room for the balloons and greeting to stand out.

For the focal point, I stamped and layered three colourful balloons and added the balloon strings underneath. The large circle behind the balloons helps bring all of the elements together and gives the balloons a place to “float.”

I also added a little texture with the coordinating ribbon tied across the card and finished it with a few colourful embellishments. The “Let’s celebrate” greeting was the perfect sentiment for this cheerful design.

One of my favourite things about CASE challenges is seeing how a card can evolve when you take the layout from someone else’s design and then make it your own. The original card may be the inspiration, but the colours, products and little details can completely change the finished project.

This would make such a fun birthday card, celebration card or party card—and the bright colours make it perfect for summer celebrations!

I hope you’ll check out the original card by Charlet and see how the Global Design Project Design Team interpreted the challenge. Then grab the sketch, put your own spin on it and join the challenge #GDP560!

✂️Supplies Used:

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
Beautiful Ordinary Life 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167553 ]
[167553]
Balloon Festoon Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167602 ]
[167602]
Exciting Times Bundle (English) [ 167881 ]
[167881]
Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad [ 165286 ]
[165286]
Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147052 ]
[147052]
Lemon Lolly Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161666 ]
[161666]
Basic Black Hybrid Stampin' Pad [ 166648 ]
[166648]
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
Array Of Dots [ 167559 ]
[167559]
Garden Green 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Chevron Ribbon [ 167212 ]
[167212]
Multipurpose Liquid Glue [ 110755 ]
[110755]
Stampin' Dimensionals [ 104430 ]
[104430]
Detail Scissors [ 170902 ]
[170902]
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
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HSS493 – A Sweet Birthday Card with Caring Animals

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It’s time for another fun challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments , and this week we’re featuring a beautiful Colour Challenge HSS493!

When I first saw this colour combination, I immediately thought of creating something soft, sweet, and perfect for celebrating a birthday. The adorable lion from the Caring Animals stamp set seemed like the perfect choice!

I started with a Barely Blush card base and added lots of subtle texture using the Fern & Flora 3D Embossing Folder. I love how embossing adds interest without competing with the focal image.

For the background strip, I used a piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper in Lost Lagoon, but I wanted to give it a little extra personality. I stamped the leafy images from the Caring Animals stamp set directly onto the DSP using Lost Lagoon ink for a subtle tone-on-tone effect. It’s a simple technique that adds depth and ties the background in beautifully with the embossed botanical theme.

To create a little extra dimension, I stamped the lion and sentiment in Lost Lagoon on my die-cut circle first, then stamped the lion again in Black Memento Ink on a separate piece of cardstock. After colouring and fussy cutting him, I popped him up with Stampin’ Dimensionals so he extends beyond the edge of the circle. It’s an easy technique that really helps the focal image stand out. To finish the focal point, I wove Linen Thread through the stitched openings around the Spotlight on Nature circle and tied a bow in the bottom left corner. I love the soft texture it adds and how it draws attention to the beautiful stitched detail of the die. To finish the card, I added a few gems for sparkle from the In Color 2026-2028 Dots.

One of my favourite things about colour challenges is seeing how everyone interprets the same palette in completely different ways. This combination felt soft and elegant while still being playful thanks to the adorable lion.

I hope you’ll stop by Hand Stamped Sentiments to see what the rest of the Design Team created, then join us with your own interpretation of these beautiful colours. I can’t wait to see what you make!

Want to grab the supplies for this card? Shop the links below or head to my shop.


SHOP HERE

Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

The join process has changed a bit (sign up for $135 and get a $170 coupon) and you now get a fantastic Welcome Box too. The perks once you’ve joined remain the same.

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

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Dino-Mite Fun for HSS472 + GDP514!

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This week I combined the sketch from Global Design Project #514 with the Hand Stamped Sentiments Colour Challenge #472. The colour combo of Darling Duckling, Timid Tiger, and Pretty Peacock was perfect for creating a playful fall card with a cheerful twist.

This card features the Darling Dinos bundle. I used masking to create the layered field of flowers behind the dino, giving extra depth and dimension. Paired with the embossed sunflower background and a bold sentiment banner, this layout came together beautifully and stayed true to the sketch.

This card makes me smile—it’s bright, fun, and perfect for a birthday surprise!

Here’s a full list of supplies used as well as a printable card recipe.


HSS472CCDownload

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September 2025 Card Class To Go – Happy Place Stamp Set

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I’m so excited to share the September 2025 Card Class To Go, featuring the brand new Happy Place stamp set! 🌴 This set is so much fun to play with, and during this class I showed different coloring and stamping techniques to create vibrant, eye-catching cards for any occasion.

💌 Here’s how the class works:

  • Place a $60 order (before shipping & taxes) in my online store 👉 Shop with Leah and I’ll send you the Card Kit for free.
  • The PDF tutorial is also available for purchase separately in my shop 👉 Card Class PDFs. https://payhip.com/b/I1tPR
  • Orders must be placed using my link above to qualify for the free kit.

📺 Missed the live? No worries! You can catch the full replay right here and stamp along with me at your own pace.

Why You’ll Love These Cards

  • 🌅 Endless Colour Options – Try blending, sponging, or stamping with different palettes to create a whole new look every time.
  • 🎉 Versatility – These designs work for birthdays, celebrations, encouragement, and more.
  • 💡 Creative Techniques – Learn tips to make bold sentiments stand out while keeping your design clean and modern.
  • 💌 Fun to Share – These bright and happy cards are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s mailbox!

This is the perfect class if you’re looking for a little crafty escape – I can’t wait to see how you make these cards your own!

Here are the 4 unique cards:

Here’s a list of supplies you’ll want to have on hand – plus the embellishments I used (which will be in your kit).

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Looking for more ways to stamp with me?

Join my September Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the Sep 13th class
See the details and register here – I will order your supplies asap so you can have them on time!
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.
Join Now!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
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Coffee & Cards August 2025 Replay

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Did you miss my August Coffee & Cards class? I’ve got you covered — the replay is now available!

This month, I created four unique cards featuring:
✨ The Jolly Holly Bundle
✨ The Jar of Joy stamp set with the Jar Builder punch
✨ The Encircled with Love stamp set
✨ The Not 29 Anymore stamp set
✨ The Choose Happy stamp set

👉 You can watch the full replay here:

🌟 Why You’ll Love These Cards
✔️ A mix of Christmas, birthday, and everyday designs — perfect for your card stash.
✔️ Fun techniques that are beginner-friendly but still inspiring for seasoned stampers.
✔️ Versatile layouts you’ll use again and again.

Here are the 4 unique cards:

🛍 Get the Card Kit FREE:
Place a $60+ order (before tax/shipping) in my Stampin’ Up! store between Aug 27–Sep 2, 2025, and I’ll send you the full kit to create all four cards.
👉 Shop Here

📄 PDF Tutorial Only:
Prefer to use your own supplies? Grab the detailed step-by-step PDF tutorial here:
👉 Get the PDF

Looking for more ways to stamp with me?

Join my September Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the Sep 13th class
See the details and register here – you can still get the kit and watch the replay!
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.
Join Now!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂

Coneflower Celebrations Card Class to Go – Replay + Kit & PDF available

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This week’s Coneflower Celebrations Card Class to Go is now available for you to watch at your own pace! These bright, nature-inspired designs are perfect for late summer and early fall celebrations—from birthdays to thank you cards.

Watch the Replay Here:

💌 Why You’ll Love These Cards:

✔️ Fresh floral designs perfect for multiple occasions
✔️ Gorgeous Pressed Flower Motifs for extra texture and elegance
✔️ Quick to assemble yet visually stunning
✔️ Easy to adapt with other papers and embellishments you own

Here are the 4 beautiful cards:

🛍 Get the Card Kit FREE:
Place a $60+ order (before tax/shipping) in my Stampin’ Up! store between Aug 13–19, 2025, and I’ll send you the full kit to create all four cards.
👉 Shop Here

📄 PDF Tutorial Only:
Prefer to use your own supplies? Grab the detailed step-by-step PDF tutorial here:
👉 Get the PDF

Here are the supplies you’ll want to have at home:


Place Your Order Here

Want to stamp with me some more?

Join my September Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the Sep 13th class
See the details and register here – you can still get the kit and watch the replay!
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.
Join Now!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂

HSS469 Colour Challenge- Cheers to Blackberry Season!

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This week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #469 features a beautiful combo of:
🟣 Blackberry Bliss
🟪 Fresh Freesia
🩵 Pool Party

This palette immediately reminded me of the juicy blackberries I picked earlier this week — so of course, I had to add a few to the glasses on this card! The Cheers & Sips stamp set and Celebratory Sips DSP were the perfect pairing for this berry-inspired design.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions:

Card Base: Pool Party cardstock, A2 size (5½” x 4¼”).

Embossed Layer: Fresh Freesia panel (4″ x 5¼”). Emboss using the Glass & Gardens Embossing Folder (tile pattern) for a patio-inspired backdrop.

Arch Focal Point: Die cut stitched arches from Everyday Details Dies (4th and 5th largest) in Blackberry Bliss and Basic White.

Adhere with liquid glue.

Drinks & Details: Die cut two drink glasses from the Celebratory Sips DSP. Use the texturing die on the taller glass. Add stamped blackberry clusters (because why not bring the garden to the glass?) Arrange and adhere with Dimensionals over the arch panel.

Sentiment Label: Stamp “Cheers” in Blackberry Bliss on Pool Party cardstock. Die cut using Beautiful Butterflies Dies label.

Final Touches: Stamp “Let’s Celebrate!” on the arch. Scatter a few Starburst Sequins for some bubbly sparkle. Tuck in more blackberries for flavour and fun! To create the blackberries I stamped them in B;ackberry Bliss Ink and used a blending pen to add Blackberry Bliss Ink to the insides, then die cut.

💡 TIP: Heat emboss the drinks for a glassy look or add Wink of Stella to the berries for extra juice-inspired shine!

🛒 Want to recreate this card? Click here to shop all supplies in my Canadian online store! Here is a full list of the supplies I used:


SHOP NOW

🎯 Join the Challenge:
Create your own summer-inspired card using this week’s trio at https://handstampedsentiments.blogspot.com/. You’ll love where the colours take you!

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RSVP now for the August 16th class

We are in month 4 of the In Colour Club – but it’s not too late to join and get these fabulous colours!

A great way to get all the new colours!

Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

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Throwback Thursday – Adorable Owls Meet Wildflower Birthday DSP

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Today’s card is a sweet birthday throwback featuring one of my all-time favourite retired stamp sets—Adorable Owls—brought to life with some fun new products!

This owl is celebrating in style with:

  • The vibrant Wildflower Birthday 12×12 DSP
  • Peach Pie Bordered Ribbon (currently on the Last Chance list—grab it while you can!)
  • A textured base using the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder
  • A sprinkle of sparkle with Starburst Sequins

🎨 How to Make This Card:

  1. Start with a Thick Basic White card base.
  2. Emboss a 4″ x 5-¼” Basic White panel with the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder and adhere it to your base.
  3. Cut 2 angled rectangles from the Wildflower Birthday DSP and layer them slightly askew for interest.
  4. Wrap the Peach Pie Bordered Ribbon across the layers and tie a bow on the left side.
  5. Die cut a stitched circle (Pool Party cardstock or similar) and pop it up with Dimensionals.
  6. Stamp the owl from Adorable Owls, colour with Stampin’ Blends, fussy cut, and adhere.
  7. Stamp a birthday sentiment and die-cut or banner cut it, then adhere with Dimensionals.
  8. Add a few Starburst Sequins for a pop of sparkle.

🧡 This card is bright, happy, and full of texture—perfect for any birthday celebration. While the Adorable Owls are retired, the layout and product mix can work with so many images you already have in your stash.

🛍️ Shop the Supplies:


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📹 Want more inspiration? Be sure to follow me on YouTube or Facebook for tutorials, lives, and more!

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

If you are local – join my in person card class!

RSVP now for the Aug 16th class
See the details here: https://stampinwithleah.ca/2025/07/30/july-2025-coffee-cards-card-class-to-go/
SHOP HERE!

Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

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See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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